ON Friday afternoon, the streets of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam are almost deserted. Few people are seen, except for devout Muslims making their way to the mosque for Friday prayers. Prayer calls bellow out of mosque loudspeakers. Other daily activities cease. Shops, street vendors, markets and even offices close for the afternoon.

This religious atmosphere is destined to intensify. Now, Acehs residents are obliged by law to participate in Friday pr